Palazzolo Holidays
Slightly inland from Sicily's southern tip, the ancient city of Palazzolo is sandwiched between the rivers of Anapo and Tellaro. Sitting high in the Iblean Mountains, the panoramic views from here can't fail to stop you in your tracks. So it's no surprise it's made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List - a tag it shares with seven other towns in the gorgeous Val di Noto region. But it's not only the scenery that's out to impress in this old-world beauty spot. Take a stroll though Palazzolo's main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the lanes that spiral off it and you'll see beautiful baroque architecture at every turn. It's all cutesy houses, quaint shops and impressive civic buildings. There are plenty of sights to see here, too - such as the 15th-century church of San Sebastian and the famous house museum of Antonino Uccello. Palazzolo itself dates back even further, but most of it was ruined in the 1693 earthquake. Luckily, a few treasures remain and are well worth having a look at. Check out the remains of Palazzolo Castle, which was built during the Norman period. Once the home of barons and lords, it would have dominated the Anapo Valley. And don't miss the 3rd-century BC Greek theatre, which sits in a superb hillside spot. You might even be lucky enough to catch a classical play being performed here. Sights aside, there's plenty more to keep you busy. Pop your head in the friendly shops and bag yourself a leather bargain or a piece of jewellery. Pull up a chair in one of the traditional restaurants and tuck into a delicious Sicilian lunch. Or head for one of the shady squares where you can sit with a frothy cappuccino and watch the world go by. Just don't forget all that glorious countryside on your doorstep.